title: Partial ostectomy of the dens to correct atlantoaxial subluxation in a pony.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To report a surgical technique that allows decompression and anatomic re-alignment for management of subluxation of the atlantoaxial articulation.
  
  
  METHODS
  Clinical report.
  
  
  METHODS
  Four-year-old Welsh Section B pony gelding.
  
  
  METHODS
  Attempts at closed reduction of subluxation of the atlantoaxial articulation under general anesthesia were unsuccessful, so a ventral surgical approach allowing partial ostectomy of the dens of the axis was used to facilitate reduction.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Recovery from surgery was uneventful and the pony remained comfortable without neurologic deficits. Both neck stiffness and ataxia resolved. Radiographic examination at 5 days and 6 months postoperatively showed normal anatomic position of the dens of the axis and stabilization of the atlantoaxial joint.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Partial ostectomy of the dens using a ventral approach can be used to facilitate reduction of atlantoaxial subluxation.
authors.affiliation: Easter Bush Vet Centre, University of Edinburgh-Veterinary Clinical Science, Roslin, Midlothian, United Kingdom. eugeniocillan@yahoo.es
authors.forename: Eugenio
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Cillán-Garcia
authors.forename: Sarah E
authors.initials: SE
authors.lastname: Taylor
authors.forename: Neil
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Townsend
authors.forename: Theresia
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Licka
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001268:Atlanto-Axial Joint / Q000293:injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D019299:Decompression, Surgical / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary*; D006736:Horses / Q000293:injuries* / Q000601:surgery*; D004204:Joint Dislocations / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary*; D008297:Male; D009809:Odontoid Process / Q000601:surgery*; D010027:Osteotomy / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary*